President Bola Tinubu has approved the conversion of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a university, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s education sector.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, made the announcement on Friday during a working visit to the institution, emphasizing that YABATECH is well-prepared to attain full university status.
According to Alausa, the institution’s academic strength and legacy make it a suitable candidate for the upgrade. He noted that over 200 staff members hold doctorate degrees in various fields, reinforcing its readiness.
“The Rector mentioned earlier that the staff, students, and management have been praying and fasting for this conversion. When I discussed the matter with President Bola Tinubu, he approved it without hesitation. We are now awaiting the necessary official documentation and protocols,” Alausa said.
During his visit, the minister also inspected various projects within the institution and commended its commitment to excellence. He assured the management of the federal government’s continued support, particularly in advancing technical and vocational education.
He further highlighted the government’s push for innovation and entrepreneurship in education, noting that the integration of artificial intelligence, robotics, and coding into the curriculum would help address the “Japa syndrome” by creating local opportunities for skilled graduates.
“For years, Nigeria focused on producing graduates primarily for white-collar jobs, neglecting technical and vocational education. This is changing. Across Europe and other parts of the world, technical education is a key driver of development, and we are aligning with that model,” he added.
The Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, expressed gratitude for the approval, stating that the institution is committed to becoming a leading university of technical and vocational education in Nigeria.
While the approval has been granted, the formal transition will require a bill to be passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by the president.
